2015 November 30 - Morning Manna

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:1-5)

Today's Morsel: Some other words for the word "experience" are, knowledge, skill, practice, understanding, know-how, familiarity.  Many folks have experience in a lot of areas because they have gone through things in their life.  Many folks want the easy way out of their trials and troubles instead of gaining experience through them. Paul said that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope.  Therefore, we should not be too eager to get out of our calamities or misfortunes since they can give us experience. Remember, the things you go through and experience today may give you the know-how that you need to help deliver someone else or yourself in the future.

Sing: Trials dark on every hand and we cannot understand, all the ways that God will lead us to that blessed promise land, but He'll guide us with His eye, and we'll follow till we die, we will understand it better by and by.

By and by, Lord, when the morning comes, and all the saints of God are gathering home, we will tell the story, how we've overcome, we will understand it better by and by.

Thought for Today: Practice makes perfect.

2015 November 28 - Morning Manna

Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
(Psalms 118:19-21).

Today's Morsel:  How much value do you put on your salvation?  Think about it for a moment.  If Jesus had not reached down and saved you, where would you be?  Do you ever consider how much better your life is with God then without Him?  I believe that we should praise God more outside of the church then we do inside the church, because we are usually outside more than we are inside.  It seems that many people are apprehensive about praising God in public, but King David gave us an example of public praise to God when he danced before the Ark of the Covenant.  The Psalmist said that he would praise the Lord because He had heard him and had become his salvation.  We know that there is no salvation outside of Jesus, because there is no other name by which we might be saved.  Therefore, since He has saved us, we should give Him praise.  Again the psalmist, said if you open to me the gates of righteousness, I will go into them and I will praise the Lord. Let praise become your life style.  Praise Him no matter where you are, in public and in church.  As you go about your day, offer Him the sacrifice of praise in all you do.  And when you go to church tomorrow, go with a made up mind to praise the Lord.  For from the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, Jesus should be praised.

Sing: Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him in the morning, praise Him in the noon time, praise Him, praise Him, praise Him when the sun goes down.

Thought for Today:   Life is fuller when you praise Him.(Parker)

2015 November 27 - Morning Manna

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

Today's Morsel:  If someone were to ask you to tell them your greatest success story, what would it be?  I've been hearing a lot in the news lately about the two females that recently completed Army Ranger School.  I read about them having to be recycled because they failed certain requirements during the course.  They can now say that they were successful in completing the course.  I know that when I was a Drill Instructor, there were many soldiers I had to recycle because they could not pass certain requirements.  But those same soldiers stuck with it and went on to become good soldiers.  You see, that's what success is.  It's going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm, said Sir Winston Churchill.  We may fail time and time again trying to reach righteousness, holiness and perfection, but if we keep pressing toward the mark of the prize with enthusiasm and faithfulness, I believe we will hear Him say, well done thy good and faithful servant.

Sing:  I'm pressing on the upward way, new heights I'm gaining every day; still praying as I'm onward bound, "Lord plant my feet on higher ground."

Lord, lift me up and let me stand, by faith on heaven's table land, a higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

Thought for Today: "Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm." Sir Winston Churchill

2015 November 26 - Morning Manna (Happy Thanksgiving)

I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works"
(Psalms 26:6-7)

Today's Morsel:  Here in the United States of America when we think of the Thanksgiving holiday, we a time when the English separatist William Bradford and the other Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth aboard the Mayflower to establish the first American Colony in 1620. Truly, it is great to study American history and recall the roots of our Thanksgiving holiday, but did you know that Thanksgiving or some similar holiday is observed worldwide in at least eight nations?  I have found that Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Korea, Liberia, Switzerland, and the United States of America all celebrate Thanksgiving!  As Christians we should have a heart of thanksgiving every day.  Here is an opening quote from the Thanksgiving Proclamation signed by George Washington, President of the United States of America, October 3, 1789.  "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."   Today and every day, remember to always give thanks to God for His protection and favor as well as all His goodness and mercy.

Sing: When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Refrain

Count your blessings name them one by one, count your blessings, see what God has done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Thought for Today: "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Happy Thanksgiving

2015 November 25 - Morning Manna

Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.  He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore"
(2 Samuel 22:50-51).

Today's Morsel: Day by day, I try to ask myself if God is well pleased with my praise.  The writer of Hebrews tells us,  "By him (Jesus Christ) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" (Hebrews 13:15).  To me, the sacrifices of our praise should be the best that we can give.  David said, "Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name."  For what reason would he offer this praise?  He said because God was, "The tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore."  When we think of God's grace, mercy and goodness, we should praise His name, too.  Let's sing praise unto His name today.

Sing: I will bless Thee O' Lord. I will bless Thee O' Lord, with a heart of thanksgiving, I will bless Thee O' Lord.

  

Thought for Today:  Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.  W. J. Cameron

2015 November 24 - Morning Manna

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. (Psalms 118:1-14)

Today's Morsel:  I hear a lot on the news about the  Obama Administration not doing enough to fix the problem with ISIS killing Christians.  I heard a man on the news the other day saying that they aren't doing anything.  Well, I for one do not put my trust in anyone to deal with today's issues but God.  David said the Lord in on my side. He said that is better to trust in the Lord then to put our confidence in man.  And so, since the word is inspired by God, that is where I will put my trust and that is where I will put my confidence.  Not in man, but God.  David also said, "Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" (Psalms 20:6-7).  The last time I checked, 2 Chronicles 7:14 is still as applicable today as it was over 6,000 years ago, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).  I just wonder what God would do for the Christian community if we do what His word tells us.  Let's humble ourselves, and join together in prayer.  I'm thankful that I know He hears my cry and that His mercy endures forever. 

Sing:  Hear my cry old Lord, attend unto my prayer, from the ends of the earth will I cry unto Thee, and when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I, so much higher than I.

Thought for Today: Be still and see the salvation of the Lord!

2015 November 23 - Morning Manna

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalms 118:1)

Today's Morsel:  What things are you thankful for today? I believe that all our prayers should begin with a prayer of thanksgiving.   Often, we do not think that we have anything to be thankful for, but really, we have more to be thankful for than not.  When God wakes us, it's a reason to be thankful. When we see all the beauty of  His creation, it's a reason to be thankful.  Being thankful should never be related to material things, friends, family, or money. It should always be related to God's mercy and grace. The Psalmist said that we should give thanks to God because He is good. In other words, God is worthy of honor and the highest esteem because we can do nothing  in and of ourselves.  As Peter said, He careth for you.

Sing:  Thanks! Thanks! I give You thanks, for all You've done. I am so blessed, my soul has found rest, oh Lord, I give You thanks.

Thought for Today: A little thanks goes a long ways.

2015 November 21 - Morning Manna

And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not. But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel. (Numbers 14:6-10)

Today's Morsel:  One of the things about courage is it will be tested.  Sooner or later everyone will have their courage tested.  Whether it is defending ones rights, protecting our children, standing up for our faith, climbing higher obstacles, facing death, or just having to saying  "No", our courage will at some point be put to the test.   This is one of the reasons that we need to build ourselves up daily in our most holy faith.  When those moments of fear come, and those times that you may think that you are going under, you are going to need courage.   Courage comes in three forms.  Spiritual, mental, and physical.  And you may find that they are tested separately or all at the same time.  The children of Israel had all three of theirs tested at once, and they failed the test.  Only Caleb and Joshua had enough courage to take a stand.  And later in Joshua's life, when he assumed the leadership role from Moses, the Lord again told him, to be very strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6-9). This is what the Lord desires of each of us, to be strong and very courageous for the Lord.

Sing: Be strong! Be bold! For the Lord our God is with us, Be strong! Be bold! For the Lord our God is with us.  I am not afraid, I am not ashamed, I am not dismayed, because I'm walking in faith and victory, because the Lord, our God is with us.

Thought for Today: Courage mounteth with occasion (Shakespeare)

2015 November 20 - Morning Manna

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
(1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

Today's  Morsel:   One of the things about life is that we never know when the next storm is going to come along.  There are many folks who are going through many storms in their lives and they seem to have no peace.  While some others are going through the same storms of life and are at peace.  We see this with the disciples and Jesus on the ship in the middle of the sea in Mark 4:35-39.  The disciples are troubled and in fear of dying, while Jesus is at peace and sleeping in the hinder part of the ship.  When they wake Jesus, He tells the sea Peace, be still.  Was Jesus showing us how to bring turmoil and torment in our life to peace by speaking to it?  He told Ezekiel to prophecy to the wind and to tell it to blow.  Didn't God give Adam dominion over all creation?  Didn't Jesus tell us that the works that He did we shall do greater?   Joss Whedon said, "Peace comes from the acceptance of the part of you that can never be at peace."  Paul told the church at Thessalonica to 'know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.'  Somehow, as Christians, we have to figure out how to maintain peace within ourselves.  Always remember, Jesus will keep you in perfect peace as long as your mind is stayed upon Him.

Sing: Peace! Peace! Wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit, forever, I pray, in fathomless billows of love.

Thought for Today:  "Peace comes from the acceptance of the part of you that can never be at peace." Joss Whedon

2015 November 19 - Morning Manna

And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets. And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage: for they knew them not. So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof. But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot. (2 Kings 4:38-41)

  

Today's Morsel:  American comedian W.C. Fields  said, "Never cry over spilt milk, because it may have been poisoned."  I often wonder how much we complain about things that God may be taking  away from us because they would have been detrimental to us.   A home sale that didn't go through.  A potential spouse that decided not go through with the marriage proposal.  A job that we thought we should have gotten hired for, but didn't.  A promotion that we didn't receive.  A university that was too expensive.  A car payment that was outside our budget.  A flight that we missed because of delayed traffic.  So many possibilities.  We never know what God is doing behind the scenes for us. We should not complain when these things happen to us, but we should see them as a blessing from the Lord.  And we should thank Him for His sovereign will in our life. 

Sing: Jesus! Jesus! You know what's best for me. So lead on Jesus, I'll go wherever You lead.

Thought for Today: "Never cry over spilt milk, because it may have been poisoned." W.C. Fields, American comedian. 

2015 November 18 - Morning Manna

Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. (Isaiah 43:10-12)

Today's Morsel:  Some folks do not like the title of servant.  They see it as something demeaning them or putting them down.   But really, being a servant during Biblical times was seen as a great honor.  You see, being a servant was much different than that of being a slave.  A servant was in the house, whereas a slave often times was not.  Even though slaves could serve as servants to their masters, they had to prove themselves faithful first.  Even though Joseph, Nehemiah, and Daniel were slaves, they proved themselves faithful and each were found well respected by their masters.  And all three were elevated to positions of honor by the Lord.  The Lord said through Isaiah the prophet, "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit" (Isaiah 65:13-14).  The Lord said that He has chosen us to be witnesses and servants of His.  When we do what is asked of us from a servant's heart, God will elevate us to a place of honor. "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another" (Psalms 75:6-7).   Remember, your attitude towards what you are being asked to do will always reveal Christ in you to others.

Sing: He lifted me, He lifted me, by His own power He lifted me, His faithful servant I will be for by His power He lifted me.

Thought for Today: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (Apostle  Peter ).

2015 November 17 - Morning Manna

When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee"
(Proverbs 2:10-11).

Today's Morsel: I don't know about you, but it seems that a lot of people do not have any discretion when it comes to life.  Solomon tells us how to have discretion.  He said when we put wisdom in our hearts and knowledge in our souls, then discretion will be there to keep us.  In other words, we will be able to discern right from wrong, good from evil, truth from err, and love from hate.  One of the indicators of a lack of spiritual maturity is seen in the life of a person without discretion.  A good indication of spiritual malnutrition, is also a lack of discretion.  Discretion is a preservative, it will maintain us.

Sing: "Come and dine", the Master calleth, "Come and dine!" You may feast at Jesus table all the time. He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine, to the hungry calleth now,  "Come and dine!"    

Thought for Today:  A good indication of spiritual malnutrition, is a lack of discretion (Parker).

2015 November 16 - Morning Manna

When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee"
(Proverbs 2:10-11).

Today's Morsel: I don't know about you, but it seems that a lot of people do not have any discretion when it comes to life.  Solomon tells us how to have discretion.  He said when we put wisdom in our hearts and knowledge in our souls, then discretion will be there to keep us.  In other words, we will be able to discern right from wrong, good from evil, truth from err, and love from hate.  One of the indicators of a lack of spiritual maturity is seen in the life of a person without discretion.  A good indication of spiritual malnutrition, is also a lack of discretion.  Discretion is a preservative, it will maintain us.

Sing: "Come and dine", the Master calleth, "Come and dine!" You may feast at Jesus table all the time. He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine, to the hungry calleth now,  "Come and dine!"    

Thought for Today:  A good indication of spiritual malnutrition, is a lack of discretion (Parker).

2015 November 14 - Morning Manna

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (James 1:22-24)

Today's Morsel:  Sometimes I don't think we realize the value of God's word.  There are times we may ask God to do certain things for us and it never comes to fruition.  And I believe it is because God has already told us what to do in His word and He is looking for spiritual maturity and growth in us.  If I have a bad habit, God isn't going to take it away for me.  He has already told me what to do in His word, and He wants me to apply the word.  If I'm having marital issues, God isn't going to fix it for me.  He's already told me what to do in His word.  God isn't going to correct my children for me, I have to raise them and correct them according to His word.  God has given me His word and told me what to do to not only correct my problems, but perhaps avoid the problem to begin with.  When God doesn't take a problem or situation away in our life, it doesn't mean that He doesn't care, it simply means that God wants us to mature and move on to perfection.  As James said, and I paraphrase here, if you hear it and don't do it, don't expect results.

Sing:  God's word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path, God's word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path, and He will hide me under the shadow of His wing.

Thought for Today:  Doing the word of God will ensure the problem gets fixed!  (Parker)

2015 November 13 - Morning Manna

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:6-9)

Today's Morsel:  I wonder what we could find if we would really seek the Lord.  If there are things that our eyes have not seen, and things that our ears have not heard, and things that have not yet entered into the heart of man, those things that which God has prepared for them that love him  ( 1 Corinthians 2:9), shouldn't we seek for them?  If the kingdom of heaven is as a treasure hidden in the field, then shouldn't we seek to find it?  I wonder what we could really find if we would truly seek for the Lord with our whole heart.  Isaiah said that we should seek the Lord while He may be found.  Perhaps he is warning us that there is a day that coming when Jesus will not be able to be found by people.  I wonder how many church services people were not healed in or did not have renewed with joy in all because they didn't seek the Lord.  They simply were there in attendance, yet not seeking.  What are you looking for?  I know you will find it if you seek for Him with your whole heart.  He is still where you last looked, at the altar.  

Sing:  Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you, hallelu, hallelujah!

Thought for Today: The thing you are seeking will be in the last place you look. (Pam Parker) 

2015 November 12 - Morning Manna

"At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered. And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon. Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them. Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts: Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days" (Isaiah 39:1-8)

Today's Morsel:  One of the things about life, if we aren't careful, when God predicts through prophecy bad things or things that are going to happen/come, because it may not happen on our watch, we may just push it to the side and say, "so what".   This is what King Hezekiah did.  We know that God added 15 years to his life.  But when God told the prophet to tell him that Babylon would take everything he owned and his children into captivity, it didn't faze him because he saw it as not happening on his watch.  He said, "Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days."  Notice, I hear you, but in my day there shall be peace.  So I really don't care.  Remember that when he was sick and about to die in chapter 38, he wept and cried.  He had an intercessory heart when God told the prophet to tell him he was going to die if he didn't set his house in order.   But now, he doesn't see a need to weep and cry for the salvation of others, not even his own offspring, because it's not on his watch.  Let me encourage you, when the word of prophecy is given from the man or woman of God, we need to take notice.  No, it may not happen on our watch, but if we are concerned for the lost and our future loved ones, we need to intercede that God will be merciful to all generations.  His promises are yea and amen, we need to take heed when His word comes forth.

Sing:  Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus is my plea, daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Thought for Today: Prophecy is given so you can take action.  (Parker)

2015 November 11 - Morning Manna

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (2 Timothy 2:1-4)

Today's Morsel:  Today, America honors our Veterans.  The Bible tells us to give honor to whom honor is due.  I think that every man and woman who is willing to serve their country to ensure freedom and protection should be always honored.  Not because I am a veteran myself, but because, as President Calvin Coolidge said, "The nation that forgets its defender, will itself be forgotten!"   The day that a nation forgets those who protects her, will be the day that the nation will see itself forgotten.

I'm sure that every veteran alive today can share with you about their military experience.  They can tell you stories about:

• Their first day of induction
• Their basic training
• Their times of loneliness and hurts
• Their war experience
• Their deployments
• Their comrades
• Their times of crying because of lost friends
• Their times of comforting a comrade when word came that a parent or other loved one had passed away
• Their holidays away from home
• Their pay that didn't give them enough to meet the bills that were due
• Their questions to the orders they received from higher authority
• Their time on guard duty
• Their shots
• Having to remember the nomenclature and serial number of their assigned weapon
• Kitchen police
• Standing in the rain and cold while their leaders were in warm tents and buildings
• The marching
• The parades
• And the list could go on and on

You see, this are all things that help to make a good soldier.  The apostle Paul told his protégé' Timothy, this young soldier in Christ, that, " Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." Soldiers are:
Submitted

Obedient

Loyal

Dedicated

Innovative

Enthused

Ready

These are some of the qualities that must be in every soldier, especially, a soldier of Jesus Christ.  We are honoring our veterans today, and I salute my fellow comrades in arms.  I also give honor to my fellow soldiers in the Lord's Army.  We are marching onward to victory.

Sing:  I'm a soldier, in God's army, and I'm fighting, I'm claiming victory.  I will not give up, I will not turn around, I'm a soldier, marching heaven bound.

Thought for Today: "The nation that forgets its defender, will itself be forgotten!"  President Calvin Coolidge 

2015 November 10 - Morning Manna

Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. (Job 14:1-9)

Today's Morsel: The Book of Job is probably the best book in the Bible for building one's faith and learning how to trust and wait upon the Lord.  Most people have heard of Job's story, and many people can relate to it.  Someone wrote a book based from Job's life and entitled it, "Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People."  And then there haves been those who question God's love for letting Satan have free rein at Job.   But Job points us to some things to consider in his book.  And one of those thing is that we must remain faithful to God comes through for us.   King Solomon said,  "If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be." (Ecclesiastes 11:3).  Where a tree falls is where it will stay unless someone moves it.  The way you fall, is where you are going to stay unless you get up or someone or something moves you.  The Bible says, "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again..." (Proverbs 24:16).  God doesn't expect you to remain dormant when and where you fall.  Even if you have to get up seven times, He expects you to get back up. My wife has planted some perennial flowers in her garden.  Every fall they die off.  The snow comes and covers them up for the winter.  But no matter how harsh the conditions, and no matter how cold the winter, as soon as spring comes, they perk right back up and send forth their fragrance and beauty.  They killed and buried Jesus, but after three days He rose again.  Maybe you've lost hope today and you are just laying dormant.  Let me encourage you, it's time for you to get up.  Down is not where Jesus wants you.  He wants you to rise and walk in the abundant life He came to give you.

Sing: Go ahead, drive the nails in My hands, laugh at Me where you stand.  Go ahead and say I'm dead and gone, but soon you will see that you were wrong.  

Go ahead, and bury me in the grave, but soon you will see that I'm the One.

Cause I'll rise again, ain't no power on earth can keep me down.  Cause I'll rise again, death can't keep Me in the ground.

Thought for Today: Don't be a dormant Christian. 

2015 November 9 - Morning Manna

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
(1 Corinthians 13:11)

Today's Morsel:  I've noticed that almost everything that is made or is being made today, seems that even the smallest child can use or operate it.  There seems to be nothing being made anymore that an adult can use and then teach his child how to use.  The child seems to know how to operate it before the parent does.  I guess, since more adults seem to be without wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, and their ways are more childish, the world is saying, we simply need to develop more childlike things for them.  Paul said that when he was a child, he spake as a child, he understood as a child, he thought as a child: but when he became a man, he put away childish things.  I believe there comes a time in every man's life that he has to reevaluate his toys.  One of the best things that has ever been created was the Bible.  It's the one toy (if you want to call it that) that both adults and children can play with, have lots of fun, find excitement in, and never have to worry about outgrowing.  It's the only thing that never grows old, and that you never outgrow.

Sing: Aren't you getting just a bit tired of fooling around, you try to act your way through life but you're not gaining ground. Why not try the Lord today, just ask Him in your heart to stay, and you'll find Jesus' loves to be the greatest thing that you've ever found.

Jesus got a hold of my life and He won't let me go. Jesus got into my heart, He got into my soul.  I use to be oh so sad, but now I'm happy, free and I'm glad, cause Jesus got a hold of my life and He won't let me go.  

Thought for Today:  When is the last time you checked your toy box?

2015 November 7 - Morning Manna

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

(James 4:17)

Today's Morsel:  Do you ever pray and ask God to show you your sin record?  Do you ever evaluate how many sins you do per day?  What are your actions when you realize that you have just committed a sin?  Aren't you glad that God is a good and forgiving God who will let you clean the slate by repentance as long as it isn't blasphemy against the Holy Ghost?  You know, as Christians, I don't think any of us should be going around sinning just for the fun of it. There should be in each of us a strong desire to do what is right all the time.  If sinners can't enter heaven, shouldn't we get in the habit of doing what is right and take care for our actions?  I don't know about you, but I think it's time I put the old man to rest and walk in newness of life.

Sing:  Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord to the cross where Thou hast died.  Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord, to Thy precious bleeding side.

Thought for Today: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

2015 November 6 - Morning Manna

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture"
(John 10:9)

Today's Morsel:  I like to watch the expression on peoples' faces when I hold the door open for them and I tell them that I'm just getting in practice for heaven.  Jesus said that He was the door.  Therefore, none of us can make it to heaven without going through Him.  To go through Him, means to be obedient to His word.  Remember it was Peter who was given the keys to loose and bind.  Therefore, the key that unlocks the door is your faith in Jesus Christ.  But to go to heaven requires peace and holiness (Hebrews 12:14), and to be born again of the water and the Spirit (John 3:5; Acts 2:38).  Every door carries you into some entrance, but Jesus is the only door that enters into eternal life.  So go through now because some day that door will be closed.

Sing:  O sinner won't you come today to Calvary, a fountain there is flowing deep and wide; the Saviour now invites you to the waters free, where thirsting souls can be satisfied.

Drinking at the springs of living water, happy now am I, my soul they satisfy; drinking at the springs of living water, O wonderful and bountiful supply.

Thought for Today: Walk through the door while it's open.

2015 November 5 - Morning Manna

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Today's Morsel:  You may ask:  How are you doing?  How is your day going?    And most people respond:  I'm so busy.  I'm so tired.   When we read Isaiah chapter 40, most of the time we focus on the last verse. "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."  But really the focus should not be on the last verse, but on verse 28.  "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?"  If God doesn't faint and isn't weary, then why are so many Christians weak and tired out.  Are you expending your strength and power in things that don't matter or are for the wrong reasons.  Let me encourage you, don't allow yourself to become faint and weary.  Keep your mind stayed on Christ and you won't  grow weary nor faint.

Sing: There is power in the name of Jesus, There is power in the name of Jesus, There is power in the name of Jesus,  to break every chain, break every chain, to break every chain.

Thought for Today:  A faint and weary heart is a heart being improperly used.  (Parker)

2015 November 4 - Morning Manna

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:22-26)

Today's Morsel: One of the things about pain is that it doesn't have an age limit.  Everyone seems to experience it from the earliest stages of life.  From babies to the oldest adult, everyone faces it.  Because of Adam and Eve's sin in the garden, we now all have to share their pain with them.  But because of God's loving-kindness and tender mercies, He would not allow us to suffer alone.  He Himself took on flesh and blood, became a man like us, and suffered in pain on an old rugged cross for our salvation.  He gave us an example that He too associated with our pain.  The next time you are feeling pain, just see it as weakness leaving your body.

Sing: You're going to make it, He already said that you would. He goes before me and heaven is in my view, yes, you're going to make it through.

Thought for Today:  Pain is just weakness leaving the body.

2015 November 3 - Morning Manna

"Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen." (Isaiah 28:28)

Today's Morsel:  One of the highlights you find here in Wisconsin  is that they like to do a lot of reenactments.  My wife and I and some of her relatives went to an old Norwegian farm and watched them reenact how it was to live on the farm in Norway.  One of the things they did was the thrashing of wheat to turn it into flour.  I even got to try my hand at it.  Isaiah said that bread corn is bruised.  Jesus is the bread of life, therefore, He had to be bruised in order to become the bread of life for us.  Isaiah said of him, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).  The next time you feel like the pressures of life are coming on you, just see it as Jesus thrashing you so that you can become bread to help feed others.

Sing: He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, surely He bore our sorrows, and by His stripes we are healed.

Thought for Today: Bread corn is bruised.

2015 November 2 - Morning Manna

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1 Timothy 3:16)

Today's Morsel:  If someone were to ask you how to solve a mystery, what would you tell them?  Have you tried to use the same method you shared with them to find out the mystery of God for yourself?  Most people have no knowledge as to who God is.  They know that He exists, but to explain who He is and know Him personally, they are at a loss.  Paul told the church at Corinth: "But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge..."(1 Corinthians 8:6-7).  Paul received the revelation of God on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).  And this is why He felt that everyone should know who Jesus was.  The majority of parables that were taught by Jesus were about the Kingdom of God.  They were in a sense mysteries that He wanted the people to solve.  I believe He felt that if they understood and solved the parable, they  would know who He was.  Do you know Him?  Can you explain the mystery to others?

Sing:  Down from His glory, every living story, My God and Savior came, and Jesus was His name.  Born in a manger, to His own a stranger.  A man of sorrow, tears, and agony.

O how I love Him! How I adore Him! My breath, my sunshine, my all in all!  The great Creator, became my Savior, and all God's fullness dwelleth in Him.

Thought for Today:  Hidden treasures require seeking out.